September 29, 2007 (San Dimas, CA).  Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing servicemembers who have authored books.  With the addition of two Marines and a Soldier, the website now lists 100 books by servicemembers. In 1951 and at the Age of 17, Lee Ballenger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  During his first year in the Marine Corps he trained with the 3^rd Tank Battalion. Shortly after his 18^th birthday, Lee Ballenger was shipped out to Korea, arriving in January 1953.  After a short stint “with the 1^st Reconnaissance Company, he returned to tanks in time to participate in the Nevada Cities fighting at the end of March.”  Lee Ballenger continued as a tank crewman until the end of fighting in Korea.  He re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a military police officer until his discharge in 1957. After his discharge Lee Ballenger began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  He retired in 1989 at the rank of Lieutenant.  Lee Ballenger is the author of a two volume set on the Korean War: The Outpost War: U.S. Marine Corps in Korea, 1952 and The Final Crucible: U.S. Marines in Korea, 1953. In 1962 Stephen Beeler joined the United States Army, serving in Germany.   After his discharge in 1965 he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  During his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department he served in patrol, administration, court services, community relations, press liaison and hostage negotiations.  In 1986, he retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s because of a duty-related injury.  From 1987 to 1995, he was the business manager for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Winslow.  Stephen Beeler is the author of The Firestone Syndrome. In 1969, Charles “Sid” Heal joined the United States Marine Corps.  After serving a combat tour in Vietnam, he returned home, joined the Marine Corps reserve and attended college. Commander Charles “Sid” Heal began his law enforcement career in 1975 as an investigator for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.  In 1977, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff. During his law enforcement career, he has worked various assignments within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, including Men’s Central Jail, Firestone Station and Industry Station.  Upon being promoted to Sergeant in 1983, Commander Heal worked at Crescenta Valley Station and the Special Enforcement Bureau. After being promoted to Lieutenant in 1989, Commander Heal worked Central Property and Evidence, Firestone Station, Lennox Station, Hall of Justice Jail, Transit Services Bureau, Walnut Station, Emergency Operations Bureau, Special Projects Unit, and Field Operations Region III Headquarters. In January 2000, he was promoted to Captain and selected to command the Special Enforcement Bureau. During his 35 years in the Marine Corps he has served in over 20 countries including military operations in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Somalia and Iraqi Freedom.  Charles “Sid” Heal retired from the United States Marine Corps at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO5).  Commander Charles Heal holds an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Pasadena City College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science and Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master’s Degree in Management from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.  Commander Charles “Sid” Heal is the author of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer and An Illustrated Guide to Tactical Diagramming.  Military-Writers.com currently lists 50 current, former or retired military servicemembers and their 100 military books.

Police-Writers.com is a website that lists over 750 state and local police officers who have written books.  The website added three law enforcement officials who have written extensively about police tactics and/or police history. In 1969, Charles “Sid” Heal joined the United States Marine Corps.  After serving a combat tour in Vietnam, he returned home, joined the Marine Corps reserve and attended college. Commander Charles “Sid” Heal began his law enforcement career in 1975 as an investigator for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.  In 1977, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff. During his law enforcement career, he has worked various assignments within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, including Men’s Central Jail, Firestone Station and Industry Station.  Upon being promoted to Sergeant in 1983, Commander Charles Heal worked at Crescenta Valley Station and the Special Enforcement Bureau. After being promoted to Lieutenant in 1989, Commander Charles Heal worked Central Property and Evidence, Firestone Station, Lennox Station, Hall of Justice Jail, Transit Services Bureau, Walnut Station, Emergency Operations Bureau, Special Projects Unit, and Field Operations Region III Headquarters. In January 2000, he was promoted to Captain and selected to command the Special Enforcement Bureau. During his 35 years in the Marine Corps he has served in over 20 countries including military operations in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Somalia and Iraqi Freedom.  Charles “Sid” Heal retired from the United States Marine Corps at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO5).  Commander Charles Heal holds an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Pasadena City College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science and Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master’s Degree in Management from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.  Commander Charles “Sid” Heal is the author of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer and An Illustrated Guide to Tactical Diagramming.  According to the book description of Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer, “In recent years, law enforcement has suffered a number of tactical fiascoes.  Besides the loss of life and deterioration in public confidence, officers and agencies have been the subject of both civil and criminal actions.  Unlike most tactical books, which reach tactics as a “skill set,” this book emphasizes an intuitive application of fundamental principles.  These principles have evolved over the centuries of tactical operations and form a body of sound doctrine.”  Steven Wayne Knight’s 19 year law enforcement career included being a police officer in Newport Beach (California), a deputy sheriff in Washoe County (Nevada) and a Deputy Marshal for the Los Angeles County Marshal’s Department.  Steven Knight is the author of 1857 Los Angeles Fights Again and 1853 Los Angeles Gangs. According to Midwest Book Review, “1853 Los Angeles Gangs by Steven W. Knight is an impressively written, historical novel of the lawless gangs of Los Angeles, and the determined Rangers who stood against them. The superbly drawn story of a turbulent "yesteryear" city is populated with such memorable characters as Juan Flores who intends for his gant to dominant a rapidly expanding and ethnically diverse city by first killing off the Chinese, and then the Americans; Don Thomas Sanchez struggling to preserve political power in the face of American landgrabs; and Horace Bell with his implacable dedication to the law. Drama, action, bloodshed, love and great courage fill the pages of this exciting and entertaining saga from cover to cover.” Captain John Kolman, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (ret.), is the founder and first director of the National Tactical Officer’s Association.   John  Kolman is the author of The Trials And Tribulations Of Becoming A Swat Commander,  Patrol Response to Contemporary Problems: Enhancing Performance of First Responders Through Knowledge And Experience and Guide to the Development of Special Weapons and Tactics Teams.   According to Commander Sid Heal, The Trials And Tribulations Of Becoming A Swat Commander, “is clearly modeled after "Duffer's Drift" and fills a gap in those texts that deal with essential material and the more interesting fiction by combining an interesting scenario with an abundance of lessons learned. Consequently, it should be considered a "must read" for law enforcement SWAT personnel, but especially entry-level and first-line supervisors. The lessons are durable, reliable and relevant for all domestic law enforcement but are focused on that critical first-line supervisor.” Police-Writers.com now hosts 756 police officers (representing 347 police departments) and their 1623 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

September 28, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists over 750 state and local police officers who have written books.  The website added three former deputy sheriffs from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. In 1962 Stephen Beeler joined the United States Army, serving in Germany.   After his discharge in 1965 he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  During his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department he served in patrol, administration, court services, community relations, press liaison and hostage negotiations.  In 1986, he retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department because of a duty-related injury.  From 1987 to 1995, he was the business manager for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Winslow.  Stephen Beeler is the author of The Firestone Syndrome. According to the book description of The Firestone Syndrome, it is “a story based on actual events about an ambitious Los Angeles County Sheriff's lieutenant, Steve Butler, during the late 1970's who is manipulated by his superiors to return to the notorious Firestone Sheriff's Station in south-central Los Angeles to build evidence on suspected Sheriff's deputies his superiors believe are systematically murdering local criminals. Steve Butler is hesitant to return to Firestone because of his tour there as a deputy when he faced the Firestone "Elitists'" scorn for his perceived inability to "pull the trigger" when necessary. His return to Firestone brings about intrigue, murder and an ironic twist with a surprise ending as Steve Butler is used as a pawn by the mysterious killers.” Allen P. Bristow began his law enforcement career as a military policeman during the Korean War.  After the war, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  He left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to become a professor of Police Administration at the California State University, Los Angeles.  During his academic career, Allen P. Bristow authored a number of books about policing.  Following his retirement from education he has authored a number of fictional books about law enforcement in the “old west.”  Allen P. Bristow is the author of the academic works: The Search for an Effective Police Handgun, Effective Police Manpower Utilization; Patrol Administration; Police Disaster Operations; Rural Law Enforcement; Field Interrogation; An Introduction to Modern Police Firearms, A Handbook in Criminal Procedure and the Administration of Justice; You and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics; Police Film Guide; and, Decision Making in Police Administration.  He was the editor of Police Supervision Readings.  He is the author of the fiction works The Pinkerton Eye and Playing God. And the author of the biographical look at a Western figure, Whispering Smith. According to the book description of Whispering Smith, “The fictional adventures of the heroic railroad detective called Whispering Smith have entertained readers, motion picture enthusiasts and television viewers for many years. The colorful name of this character had such appeal that it has been adopted by musical bands, apparel manufacturers and emblazoned on the nose of World War Two bombers. But was there a real Whispering Smith? Was he the heroic champion of justice on the western plains as depicted by Hollywood or was he instead a sinister and tragic recluse? Traces of his confrontations with western outlaws are found throughout Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Yet in his search for justice did he become a centurion that confronted frontier lawlessness with a hangman's rope? Was the real Whispering Smith actually a cold-blooded killer, frustrated duelist, devious plotter and pugnacious braggart?”  In 1970, Terry E. Gingerich began his career in law enforcement when he joined the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, DC).  In 1972, he became a deputy sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  He retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after 24 years as a sergeant having worked in custody, patrol, administration and detectives. Terry E. Gingerich has a Doctorate from Washington State University, a Masters in Criminal Justice from Cal State, Los Angeles and a BS from the University of San Francisco.  Currently, Terry E. Gingerich is an assistant professor at Western Oregon University.  Terry E. Gingerich is the co-author of Law Enforcement in the United States.  According to the book description of Law Enforcement in the United States, it “presents a unique balance of theory, history, and practice of American law enforcement. It provides readers with updated, important information ranging from the evolution and theory of social control to the training, function, and strategies involved in modern policing. The authors also examine the gray areas of law enforcement, ethics, forces in society that impact policing, and the laws governing police behavior.” Police-Writers.com now hosts 753 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1616 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA American Forces Press Service  Sept. 28, 2007 - The Defense Department is instituting new protections that will help defend servicemembers against high-interest emergency loans that can lead to a dangerous cycle of debt. A new regulation included in the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act limits the annual percentage rate on payday loans, vehicle title loans and tax refund anticipation loans to 36 percent for active-duty servicemembers and their families. The change takes effect Oct. 1.  This is a big change, as the interest rates on these "predatory" loans can run as high as several hundred percent, said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Troops and their families have often fallen victim to these loans when they come up short between paychecks, and they can lead to serious problems, he said.  "It's a big problem for commanders, because what happens is often these households get themselves in over their heads," Chu said. "They're $200 short between now and next payday, but they're no better off when payday comes, so they need a bigger loan, and it just goes downhill from there."  The 36 percent limit in the regulation includes all fees and charges, and the rule prohibits contracts requiring the use of a check or access to a bank account, mandatory arbitration and unreasonable legal notice, Chu said. The regulation makes it a criminal offense for lenders to knowingly charge a higher interest rate to servicemembers, so it is essential that military members be honest about their status when applying for loans, he said.  "One of the things that we're a little worried about is people may be tempted, in order to get this old product that is now off limits, to answer this question in a non-factual way," Chu said. "They need to be honest."  It is the states' responsibility to enforce the regulation, Chu said, and already 27 states have stepped forward and agreed to enforce restrictions on the financial institutions. The department has received the assurance of federal regulators that they will oversee the institutions they regulate, he said.  In addition to implementing this new regulation, the Defense Department also is stepping up efforts to educate servicemembers about financial planning and where to go for help in an emergency, Chu said. Many times, servicemembers can go to their bank or credit union directly and ask what loan products they have available, he said, or they can go to their military aid societies or the family community support centers.  In addition, most institutions that troops would owe money to, including the Internal Revenue Service, often are willing to work with clients to defer payments. Servicemembers also can go to the online resources Military OneSource and Military Homefront for information on financial planning.  "The first defense here ... is good education for our people so they understand better how to manage their finances wisely, so they don't get themselves in trouble and so they don't come up short at the end of the month or the end of the pay period," Chu said. "But if they do, they know where to turn and how to get help."  This regulation is important because financial readiness directly affects mission readiness for military members, Chu said. If a troop is worried about an unpaid credit card bill, a needed car repair, or any other financial crisis, he won't be able to focus on the mission. Chu said commanding officers from around the military have applauded the Defense Department's efforts in this arena, because individual financial problems often cause unit readiness problems.  "As commanders, even at the division level, they are dealing with the fallout among their people from these kinds of payday loans," Chu said. "They want to get this problem off the screen; they want to solve the problem too. I think we have a whole community that's ready to move forward."  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which guarantees deposits by commercial banks, has agreed to work with the Defense Department on this regulation, because it is a chance to promote emergency small loans for servicemembers, as well as other citizens in the United States, Chu said.  

"We are perhaps at the leading edge of a national movement, trying to put better financial management on everyone's screen, military and civilian, and of course ultimately, that is the goal -- that our people are better equipped to deal with financial issues," he said.

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service  Sept. 28, 2007 - Marine Gen. Peter Pace will leave behind a lasting legacy of professionalism and commitment to the troops when he retires Oct. 1, his senior enlisted advisor and self-described "battle buddy" told American Forces Press Service today. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey called Pace "a great military leader" who has stood firmly and provided the best military advice possible, regardless of who he was addressing or what they wanted to hear.  In meetings with the defense secretary, at congressional hearings and even in informal sessions with military family members, Pace has never wavered from his moral compass, Gainey said. "He has always spoken the truth, even when it wasn't popular," he said. "His biggest weakness is that he has not learned the art of BS-ing."  Pace has always felt a strong obligation to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who make up the U.S. armed forces, Gainey said. As a result, he always kept their interests, along with the military mission, in the forefront of his mind.  "He's mission-focused, but he always says, 'How will all of this affect Corporal Pace and his family?'" Gainey said. "He has not forgotten compassion and the fact that it's all about taking care of troops and their families."  Gainey said this characteristic makes Pace stand out from the many other great military leaders. "What sets him aside is that he's also a wonderful person who's never forgotten who he is, where he came from in life and how he got where he is," he said.  The sergeant major attributes much of Pace's style to his days as a young Marine lieutenant in Vietnam, where he came to appreciate the importance of junior enlisted troops and noncommissioned officers.  To this day, Pace shows his thanks regularly, jumping at every opportunity to greet a young servicemember and present his personal military coin. "I've seen him stop a whole convoy to shake the hand of a young driver," Gainey said.  Troops in the field respond strongly, frequently marveling that an officer of Pace's stature will take the time to recognize them. "He's like a rock star to them," Gainey said.  On a recent visit to Afghanistan, a young troop there called Pace "our Patton," a reference to World War II hero Gen. George S. Patton Jr. "That's how the young people see him," Gainey said.  Pace's personal staff experiences his personal connection every morning, when the general walks into their daily stand-up meeting with the greeting, "Good morning, family. How are you?"  "Never in the past two years has he not said that," Gainey said. "That tells you a lot about the man. That's how he is."  Gainey said he hopes Pace writes a book after he retires to share his leadership philosophy, and that it becomes required reading at all military schools.  

"After all, anybody can get in front and say, 'Follow me,'" Gainey said. "Not everybody can say that and make everyone want to follow. But that's what General Peter Pace does. He's the real deal."

NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News SummaryThursday, September 27, 2007 "7 Carrying GPS Units in Weeklong Tryout to See How Tracking Software Worked" Modesto Bee (CA) (09/23/07); Raguso, Emilie  The Stanislaus County Probation Department recently held a trial for a new program that outfitted law enforcement and county officials with global positioning system (GPS) equipment. The trial put GPS units in the hands of a select group of town officials, including the Modesto district attorney, county supervisor, two Turlock police chiefs, sheriff, and the mayor. The GPS units were rented by the department and given to the group to determine how the equipment and tracking worked. Most trial participants took their GPS tracking devices along with them everywhere they traveled. The monitoring technology not only tracked the whereabouts of the participants, but also informed those monitoring the group how fast they were driving. The monitoring devices, which are designed for probationers, keeps a log of everywhere the person wearing the device goes to make sure people do not violate the terms of their release conditions.http://www.modbee.com/local/story/74844.html  "L.A. Turns Cameras on Gang Graffiti" Christian Science Monitor (09/25/07) P. 3; Wood, Daniel B.; Tully, Alison  The City of Los Angeles has installed surveillance cameras in a crime-ridden section of the city's east San Fernando Valley area in an effort to deter gang-related graffiti and other gang-related activities. The cameras sit atop poles at locations such as back alleys and have a motion-detection system that flashes the lens when someone is loitering in front of them. After the camera takes a picture, the system plays a voice recording that warns suspects that their picture has just been taken and that they will be prosecuted if caught committing a crime. The cameras have other features that previous generations of surveillance cameras did not have. For instance, the cameras have a wireless feature that allows them to be moved easily and more often to new locations. Officials can also download the photos taken by the camera without having to go up to the camera in a bucket raised and lowered by a crane. Some residents in the east San Fernando Valley area say the cameras are helping to reduce graffiti and other gang-related crimes. Critics, however, say the amount of money the city is spending on the cameras--roughly $70,000 for the 10 that will eventually be installed--is small compared with the $8 million the city pays on average each year for graffiti removal. http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0925/p03s03-usju.html  "High-Tech Law Enforcement" Tucson Citizen (AZ) (09/21/07) P. 4A; Gargulinski, Ryn  The new $180,000, 400-lbs. robot used by the Tucson police bomb squad is just one of many high-tech devices debuting on the law enforcement front. The robot is a crime-fighting tool used to protect officers from potentially hazardous chemicals or explosives, entering about 30 percent of the Tucson Police Department's bomb squad crime scenes. Technology that allows license plate scanning will soon be launched in the form of a $24,000 scanning device enabling officers to track license plates of stolen vehicles in one swooping motion. James Wysocki, administrator of information services at the TPD, says the tool will save officers hours of time in addition to maximizing the amount of vehicle plates they can scan. COPLINK, used from coast to coast, is another device that departments largely depend on. The system is accessible from a police car's Mobile Tactical Computer (MTC), enabling officers to view mug shots and maps, among other information. The convenient E-Citation program also allows officers to automatically fill out citations with license information due to a separate high-tech scanning device. Though technology has made strides within the department, Wysocki said the TPD has not eliminated any employees, and has reassigned them instead. He adds, "There seems to be an elastic demand for law enforcement services. Our problem is one of growth, not of shrinking." http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/local/63619.php  "Big Bro's Coming to Transport Hubs" Boston Herald (09/24/07); Underwood, Mike  In an effort to buffer against future possible threats, the Massachusetts state government revealed its plan to expand surveillance to all major transportation facilities, including metro stations, ports, and airports. Homeland Security Undersecretary Julliette Kayyem says the initiative is in response to the July 7, 2005, bombing attack in London, and believes video security will enable authorities to respond quickly if a similar attack occurs in Boston. Sen. James Timilty (D-Walpole), the state Legislature's Homeland Security committee chairman, says the new strategy is an important step but there are still other vulnerable public areas. "My biggest fear is that our softest targets are places like schools. I'm very scared about what could happen so we ought to have cameras in certain places," Timilty says. Along with public surveillance, the state government will organize a statewide emergency response program as part of it's heightened focus on transportation, while plans to build an Internet-based alert system and to coordinate evacuation and relocation are also being discussed.http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1033650  "Police Get a New Weapon in Arsenal to Detect Hazardous Radiation" Buffalo News (09/19/07) P. B3; Michel, Lou  New York state troopers and members of the Erie County sheriff's bomb squad are regularly carrying radiological detection units on their patrols. The devices, which cost $1,500 and are the size of a paper bag, are so sensitive that they start emitting beeps if a patrol car traveling at 55 mph or higher comes close to another car transporting even a tiny amount of radioactive substances. After radioactivity is located, another unit is sent to the scene to determine what the material is. Police can then decide whether the radiation being given off from a person or a vehicle's cargo is of real concern. The hand-held "identiFINDER" machine obtains a reading and then deciphers the substance. It also informs police as to whether the radiation is at a satisfactory level. If the portable database in the device cannot provide an answer, the officer can instantly email the data to a government facility. The 450 detection units were purchased with money from the U.S. Homeland Security Department. http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/otherwny/story/165974.html  "St. Louis Police Will Get Help Locating Gunfire" St. Louis Post-Dispatch (09/20/07) P. B5; Bryan, Bill  St. Louis law enforcement have received a Department of Justice grant for installing an "urban gunshot detection monitoring system" that can identify the sound of gunfire and its location. The $500,000 grant will be split between financing the new system and the Police Executive Research Forum thinktank, committed to creating strategies to reduce gun-violence. "We believe this joint venture will help us understand and examine the root causes of violent crime, especially those involving firearms," Police Chief Joe Mokwa said. Officers also say the technology will assist in the process of making arrests and lead to confiscation of more weapons. The monitoring system contains microphones that have a range of roughly one mile used to pinpoint the location of a shot. Similar technology is employed by the military, and other police departments in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Oakland, California.http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/31CB18B61973C7F18625735C00125671?OpenDocument   "Cameras Provide Extra Eyes for Police" Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN) (09/21/07) P. B2; Harris, Ryan  The Fort Oglethorpe, Tenn., Police Department is testing a license-plate recognition system outfitted on patrol vehicles. The system is run by eight cameras erected on the light-bar of a police car, and a processor in back of the cruiser interprets the license-plate number and compares it to area and national databases. In addition, a GPS system lists the site of every vehicle, as well as stores a time and date stamp. During three hours of testing, Fort Oglethorpe police were able to take 1,467 license-plate photos with the system and were informed about 14 suspects. Numerous citations were given, and an arrest was made. Implementing the system would cost $30,000 to $35,000 for each patrol vehicle. Though there are not any immediate plans to buy the equipment, Police Chief Larry Black noted he will write a report based on the police department's tests to show to the Fort Oglethorpe City Council, which would have to sanction such a purchase. Black pointed out that money obtained from drug busts could help finance the equipment.http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/templates/local.aspx?articleid=21922&zoneid=77  "Machine Aims to ID Liquids at Airport" USA Today (09/20/07); Hall, Mimi  Scientists working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are developing a machine that is able to identify liquid explosives, which could be used to screen baggage at airports. The project, named SENSIT, uses magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] to identify the molecular structure of chemicals in a liquid. If the technology is implemented in airports, it could result in the end of the restriction on the size of liquids in carry-on baggage that has been in place since last September. Currently only bottles up to three ounces in weight and smaller than a quart-sized plastic bag are allowed, because current X-ray scanners can't "differentiate between a sports drink and a material somebody could use for a bomb," according to scientist Bob Kraus. The SENSIT machine currently can identify a total of 50 safe and unsafe liquids, with safe liquids showing up as a green dot on a monitor and dangerous liquids being labeled with a red dot. SENSIT is scheduled to be tested next summer at Albuquerque International to determine if the scanner can be effective in a crowded airport environment.http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-09-20-liquids_N.htm?csp=34  "San Jose Cops Unveil Interactive Crime Map" San Jose Mercury News (CA) (09/18/07); Skipitares, Connie  San Jose, Calif.'s police department has launched new crime-tracking software on its Web site that lists the precise location of crime reports. Created by the Salt Lake City firm Public Engines, the software replaces a service that was much less exact. Residents can now look at a report's status, including where an arrest was conducted or if an investigation is still going on or was terminated. In addition, with much more in-depth mapping, they can focus on a region as small as a one-mile radius of their school or house. Map icons reveal where robberies, car thefts, sexual attacks, and additional crimes are being reported. San Jose is only one of a few cities in the country to provide this kind of in-depth and simple to access data. The software enables residents to obtain automatic notification through email when crimes are reported close to their houses or schools. The database is updated each morning at 1 a.m. with the approximately 1,500 crime reports produced daily across San Jose. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_6925367  "$6 Million Grant to Improve Cape Police Response" Fort Myers News-Press (09/18/07)  The Cape Coral, Fla., Police Department has received a $6 million grant from the federal Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Cape Coral will work in tandem with other public-safety groups in Lee County and the county government to utilize the grant to buy and install a highly-advanced digital radio communications system, which will enable each public-safety group in Lee County to communicate with one another. Presently, Southwest Florida public-safety agencies employ radio systems that are not compatible with one another and cannot swap information, which makes it hard for agencies to work jointly to improve crime-fighting and public safety. In remote sections of Lee County, the existing analog system also witnesses drop zones. Changing over to a digital system will result in faster response times for first responders, greater officer safety, and more access to emergency services for local residents, police claim. In addition, the new system will be more dependable and will have broadened channels to accommodate more users. The Lee County Board of Commissioners has earmarked $2 million for the project, meaning that $8 million overall will be utilized to improve the radio communications system.http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070918/NEWS0101/309170022/1075  "Bay Area Leaders to Build Disaster Communications System" Insurance Journal (09/14/07)  With grant funding, the Bay Area Public Safety Interoperable Communications Initiative will link communication channels for public agencies in a number of urban counties in California, including San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Cost, Alameda, and Santa Clara. The public agencies' interoperable communications system will enable greater disaster response efficiency and disaster relief coordination in the event of earthquake or other catastrophic events. The $200 million project also will connect these counties' communication systems to Sacramento. http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2007/09/14/83487.htm  "SAPD Secures $6 Million From Justice Department" San Antonio Business Journal (09/13/07)  The San Antonio Police Department will receive a $6 million federal grant through the Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), part of a U.S. Department of Justice effort to improve communications technology and fight crime. "This funding will help San Antonio first responders fight crime and keep our communities safe," U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said. "It's critical that we provide our law enforcement officials the resources necessary for emergency preparedness and other homeland security efforts to protect homes and families." The funding can be used to purchase technology that allows for increasing communications and data interoperability between law enforcement agencies and other first responders in the area. http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2007/09/10/daily26.html  "Clear Connection" Governing (08/07) Vol. 20, No. 11, P. 56; Walters, Jonathan  Chicago's Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) database is changing the way members of its police force do business. CLEAR has a number of capabilities designed to better connect the area's law enforcement agencies to each other and to their communities. The system is accessible to squad-car laptops, mobile devices, and community members with an online subscription. All the typical data needed to catch a criminal is made available, including warrants, fingerprints, rap sheets, identifying marks, aliases, license plates, and firearms information. High-tech equipment also monitors video and sound in areas of potential criminal activity, or can be taken on the go to track stolen vehicles or suspects in transit. CLEAR can even screen crime-rates by district or neighborhood, allowing officers to alert communities to potential dangers, ratchet up the heat on suspects, and make sure police presence is felt where it is most needed. The system has proved extremely successful, improving community relations and bringing down crime-rates in and around Chicago. In fact, CLEAR has proven itself so many times, even the federal government has taken notice, ordering similar systems for military use in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.governing.com/manage/pm/perf0807.htm  "Medical Remedies Prevent Death by TASER" Police and Security News (08/07) Vol. 23, No. 4, P. 27  

For the past seven months, emergency medical technicians in Miami have been participating in a pilot program that aims to prevent TASER-related deaths. The program calls for EMTs to spray the sedative midazolam in the noses of subjects who have been TASERed if the first electroshock does not control them. EMTs then inject the subject with iced saline solution to cool their body and sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the toxic acids released by their tense muscles. The treatment, which is the first of its kind in the country, has been used at least 12 times by Miami EMTs to reduce TASERed subjects' body temperatures and calm them down. Government officials and TASER International are hoping the treatment will help to restore public confidence in TASERs. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com

American Forces Press Service  Sept. 27, 2007 - Coalition forces have killed and detained many suspected terrorists during operations over the past two days in central and northern Iraq. Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained two suspected Iraqi "special groups" members during an operation in northern Baghdad this morning. Coalition forces targeted an individual suspected of weapons facilitation throughout central Iraq. The suspect is believed to have direct communication with senior special groups members as well as ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force. One terrorist was killed, and two suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.  "We will continue to target any group with followers who commit hostile actions and oppose security and stability in Iraq," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Each time we capture one of these criminals, it brings us one step closer to a secure future for Iraq."  In other operations over the past two days:  -- Coalition forces operating south of Samarra today captured seven suspected terrorists, including an alleged foreign terrorist facilitator in the Salah Ad Din province who identified himself to the ground force. During the operation, an armed individual was wounded while attempting to evade capture. He was treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further treatment.  -- In an operation in Bayji, coalition forces captured a suspected associate to al Qaeda senior leaders believed to facilitate meetings in the Tigris River Valley. Based on intelligence reports, the suspect also is believed to be responsible for attacks on Iraqi security forces in the region. In addition to the targeted individual, four suspected terrorists were detained on site.  -- Near Baghdad, coalition forces targeted a suspect believed to be responsible for the movement of an al Qaeda senior leader involved in foreign-terrorist facilitation and supply for the Baghdad car-bombing network. Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.  -- In a precision operation west of Tarmiyah yesterday, coalition forces also detained five suspected terrorists targeting an associate of the al Qaeda foreign terrorist network.  In other operations this week:  -- A group of Task Force Marne soldiers discovered a weapons cache consisting of two 60 mm mortars, two 60 mm mortar primers, two 120 mm mortar primers, 10 12.7 mm rounds, 50 .50-caliber rounds, a rocket-propelled grenade, a Chinese-type rocket-propelled grenade, a Chinese-type propelling charge, and five fuses, Sept. 25.  -- Paratroopers of 25th Infantry Division netted 12 suspects during two separate operations south of Busayefi and west of Hawr Rajab on Sept. 25. Four of the detainees were on the paratroopers' target list.  -- Iraqi army soldiers discovered a weapons cache in an abandoned house in western Ninewah province Sept. 24. Among the items found were more than 140 mortar rounds, nearly two dozen AK-47 assault rifles with dozens of loaded magazines, two sniper rifles, 50 hand grenades, and a ready-made improvised explosive device in a 5-gallon bucket. In addition to the munitions, four sets of Iraqi army uniforms, six tactical vests, and four fake license plates were seized.  "This is the second significant cache discovered based on information provided by four enemy fighters who were captured on Sept. 20," said Army Maj. Mufutau Taiwo, executive officer of 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment. "The (Iraqi) soldiers out here are doing an exceptional job of finding and removing these large stockpiles of enemy weaponry before they can be used in attacks against the citizens of Nineveh and Iraqi and coalition forces."  

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service  Sept. 27, 2007 - Maintaining the U.S. Navy's sea and air deterrent and recruiting and retaining enough qualified sailors to man the fleet are among the U.S. Navy's top challenges in the years ahead, the officer nominated to lead that force told a Senate panel here today. Adm. Gary Roughead, selected by President Bush to become the next chief of naval operations, appeared on Capitol Hill before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The admiral is the current commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, which organizes, mans, trains and equips U.S. naval forces for assignment to combatant commanders.  "Maintaining our current readiness gives us the ability to be an effective force anywhere in the world," Roughead told committee members at his confirmation hearing today.  Building tomorrow's Navy requires responsibility, accountability and an obligation "to clearly and thoughtfully define how we will fight and what we need -- not want -- to be able to do that," he told committee members.  In his current position, Roughead provides key advice to current naval chief Adm. Michael G. Mullen, who on Oct. 1 is slated to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing Marine Gen. Peter Pace.  Today's Navy plays an important role in the U.S. military's joint-force concept, Roughead reported, noting that sailors and naval aviators are deployed worldwide with members of their sister services in support of the war against terrorism.  Naval forces also serve alongside other U.S. military forces posted in other regions vital to national security interests, such as South America and Africa, Roughead reported.  It's paramount that America's Navy maintains its forward-leaning warfighting posture, in line with the force's Fleet Response Plan concept that stresses force agility embodied by rapid-deployment capabilities, Roughead said. The Fleet Response Plan calls for agile, robust U.S. naval forces that can quickly respond to any contingency.  Being ready and responsive to carry out a range of diverse missions requires new approaches to delivering operational capability at the best cost, the admiral explained.  Technology is ever-changing, therefore, the Navy must also ensure that its equipment is the most advanced in the world to deter possible future enemies, Roughead reported.  U.S. naval ships, submarines, aircraft, weapons and networks must outpace potential adversaries, the admiral said in written responses to questions from the committee. However, rising costs of advanced technology are challenging the Navy's ability to provide a balanced force, he added.  In addition, the Navy's sailors and pilots constitute the bedrock of that service, Roughead emphasized in his written response, noting that the Navy is facing increasing competition from the civilian workplace in meeting its recruiting goals. Attracting and retaining a diverse, high-quality force of sailors and Navy civilians must remain a high priority, the admiral pointed out.  "Our policies must enable us to recruit, to retain, and to fulfill the young men and women of America, and the Navy must reflect the demographic of our diverse nation," the admiral said at today's hearing.